Pazo

The Nordic countries were first to implement Daytime Running Lamps, now mandatory within EU and Canada – allowed in the US and many other countries. In the early days, headlight low beam was wired on, whenever the engine was running.

This kind of period-correct DRL is easy to implement in an early R129:
- The car’s appearance or original wiring are not changed in any way.
- All other light switch functions are retained.
- Wiring is straightforward with spade connectors into the main fuse box screw terminals below the fuse panel.
- Legal in nearly all countries allowing DRL (AFAIK).
And some disadvantages:
- Daytime fuel consumption increases slightly.
- Shorter bulb life (can be mitigated with dimmer resistor).

Optional ideas:
- In the illustrated setup a 30A normally open 4-terminal relay can be used too, since 87a is redundant.
- Alternatively, control 85 can be taken from alternator D+ circuit, if the automatic dipped beam is preferred only when engine is running (or maybe control 61e “engine running” from N7 light control module pin 12).
- Halogen bulb life can be extended by adding a 33 Ohm 50 Watt resistor to the low beam wire (not applicable for HIDs).

I got tired in turning lights on every time I start the car but failed to find instructions for DRL that does not spoil the classic, clean looks of R129 front end.